At 60, Hollywood icon Brad Pitt unveils his thoughts on diminishing his presence in the cinematic world.
Fox News reported that during a revealing GQ interview, Brad Pitt expressed his contemplation on shifting gears in his career trajectory while not exiting the acting scene entirely.
Brad Pitt, renowned for his dynamic roles in blockbuster hits like "Thelma & Louise" and "Moneyball," spoke candidly about the evolving stages of his long-standing career in the entertainment industry. As he steps into his sixth decade, Pitt articulated a sense of entering the concluding phase of his professional life, yet he made it clear that he is not hanging up his acting boots just yet.
“I’m still kind of on the same trajectory. I feel the same. I’m just trying to enjoy the people that I love around me and just living,” said Pitt, who during his GQ interview highlighted his intentions to prioritize personal satisfaction and meaningful experiences over traditional Hollywood stardom.
Pitt’s career began at age 22 after he left journalism studies at the University of Missouri to chase his cinematic dreams. His decades-spanning career has ushered him through myriad roles, each marking a distinctive season in his journey. According to Pitt, these seasons ranged from youthful discovery to shouldering the delights and duties of major film roles.
In his conversation, Pitt likened the understanding of one’s career trajectory with the acceptance of mortality, emphasizing that this awareness influences his desire to continue enjoying life's simpler joys while remaining creatively active.
You start to understand this idea of mortality and that it is something we all have to deal with. You just become more aware of it.
George Clooney, Pitt's peer and collaborator in their upcoming film "Wolf," also shared insights during the interview. Clooney spoke about the flexibility of acting, mentioning that the profession doesn’t necessarily push one towards retirement unless the individual resists adapting to changing roles.
"We're lucky to be part of a profession that doesn’t force you into retirement," Clooney remarked, highlighting an actor's potential to continue evolving within the industry. He further explained that the key to longevity in Hollywood could lie in accepting less prominent, yet deeply impactful roles that challenge the actor’s craft beyond conventional leading roles.
Pitt reminisced about his career journey, touching on the types of roles that have shaped his understanding of himself and his profession. “I meant that as seasons. You embark on this thing, and it’s all about discovery. … But also opportunity and delight … working with people you respect,” he noted, emphasizing the cyclical nature of careers like his.
During the interview, Clooney described how adapting to different types of characters and potentially accepting positions lower on the call sheet could allow seasoned actors like them to extend their careers meaningfully.
Pitt’s thoughts about his future were a mix of accepting the inevitable changes that come with age and embracing the artistic expression that has defined much of his career. “And then it’s this time now. It’s ‘what are these last years going to be?’” he mused, indicating a reflective and perhaps more selective approach to his future projects.
Pitt reaffirmed his passion for creativity, stating, "I’m one of those creatures that speaks through art. I just want to always make. If I’m not making, I’m dying in some way." This sentiment underscores his continuous drive to create regardless of the phase of his career.
In conclusion, Brad Pitt, at the turn of his sixth decade, sees himself entering a period of thoughtful decrease in traditional film roles, favoring instead projects that promise personal and artistic fulfillment. Through reflection on mortality and the inevitable evolution of his profession, Pitt appears poised to shape his final acts in cinema with the same fervor and innovation that characterized his most celebrated performances
